Training device for fluid technology

ABSTRACT

A training device for the graphic representation of the fluidic processes and functions for basic and advanced fluidics training, with an essentially vertically oriented panel, on which fluidic practice devices are mounted in a systematic arrangement and are controllable by means of directly or indirectly operated directional valves through permanently installed tube connections to create various functional flow path patterns, is improved upon with regard to its handling characteristics and its instructional utility. Toward this end it is provided that each practice device is coupled with a movable symbol plate (12) on the face of which the flow-path alternatives (13) of the practice device are indicated, and that the movement of the symbol plate (12) is directly translatable into the hydraulic loading of the practice device.

SPECIFICATION

The invention concerns a training device for the graphic representationof the fluid processes and functions of fluidics, hydraulics inparticular, for basic and advanced training, with an essentiallyvertically oriented panel, to which fluidics training devices aremounted in a systematic arrangement, with the capability of beingjointly made to perform various functional operations, through tubingfirmly attached to the panel, by means of manually- or remotecontrollable directional valves.

A training device of this kind is described in the German Design Patent88 05 364. In the device shown therein, selected typical fluid devicesare attached to the front of the demonstration panel in an arrangementwhereby the incoming and outgoing tubes are permanently connected on theback side of the panel in a corresponding pattern. Directional switchingbeing accomplished by controllable shut-off valves also mounted on theback side of the panel. The flow patterns in the tubes corresponding tothe functional flow diagrams are intended to be highlighted on the frontof the demonstration panel by means of magnetic strips affixed thereon.

With regard to this prior art device, it has the disadvantage thatduring training or in problem-solving the flow diagrams are intended tobe created primarily by means of the addition of the magnetic linesymbols, while the carrying out of this flow diagram must beaccomplished by operating the corresponding shut-off valves, whichcreates the problem of a mirror-image transformation of the flow diagramcreated on the front side of the flow chart panel. This represents somedifficulties not merely for the instructor but especially for thetrainees. A further disadvantage stems from the fact that in a trainingsession the trainees cannot determine from the front of the panel whichfunctions from the back of the panel are being performed.

An additional disadvantage arises from the fact that the creation offlow diagrams by means of the loose magnetic strips delineating thelayout of the tube lines involves additional work and preparation of theinstructional setup, and, with frequent use of the demonstration panelin the course of instruction, mistakes due to the strips coming off orbeing dislocated cannot be ruled out. Moreover, the switch-conditionsymbols being used are relatively small and are also in constant view onthose devices not forming part of a demonstration flow pattern.

The present invention has as its basic objective to improve a trainingdevice of this type in such a way that its operation is simplified andthe training device can be made to better serve its didactic purpose.

The solution for this objective, including advantageous forms andfurther developments, is to be found in the content of the patentclaims, which follows this specification.

The invention starts with the basic concept that each demonstrationdevice attached to the demonstration panel is coupled to a symbol platemovably affixed to the demonstration panel, with the visible side of thesymbol plate showing the flow direction alternatives of thedemonstration device, and that the movement of the symbol plate can beconverted into the hydraulic impingement on the demonstration device.

Associated with the invention is the advantage that the tubing layoutwith the integrated demonstration devices are at all times immutablyfixed on the front side of the demonstration panel, and are thus inplain view of the trainees in every position. The creation of thehydraulic flow circuit as the objective of the exercise is accomplishedby moving the symbol plates, thus creating with the symbol plates asecond demonstration plane in relation to the surface of thedemonstration panel, so that at any time at least two functions can bedemonstrated with one movement of the symbol plate. While on the surfaceof the demonstration panel the fixed layout of the hydraulic lines isvisible, the symbol plate carries that hydraulic flow pattern which isactually being directly selected by the movement of the symbol plate andthe associated control of the demonstration device, without any need toactuate additional valves to convert the flow circuit diagram into theactual condition. The training device of the invention is distinguishedby a didactically clear and simple construction, providing a directintegration of the creation of the flow circuit diagram and the controlof the functioning of the demonstration flow control devices.

A further advantage is that all manipulations of the training apparatusare visible from the front, and thus for the course participants,without the necessity of having to perform concealed operations on theback side. No loose pieces or demonstration objects that need to beattached to the panel at the time of instruction are required, so thatno special additional effort is required either for preparatory setup orfor carrying out the exercises. The symbol plates can be made in a largeformat, so that even with a large number of trainees the valve positionsymbols are clearly visible. Moreover, it is to good advantage that onlythe symbols of those demonstration devices that are actually inoperation and thus involved in the demonstration circuit of the momentare visible, which is an advantage in understanding the circuit plan.Because of the direct coordination of the circuit symbols with thefunction of the demonstration devices, the symbols are no longer shownin a different location, apart from the demonstration device, but are,in fact, constituents of the apparatus itself. This allows exercises tobe carried out "dry" initially, that is, without a load, actuated bypressure, for example, or, on the other hand, under operationconditions. This makes it possible for theoretical instruction and thepreparatory phase for the practical exercises to be carried out entirelyon the circuit panel without additional teaching aids. The symbolssystem, line layout and direction-control functions are interlinked in adidactically clear manner. The transition from theoretical preparationto the practical execution proceeds in readily understandable fashionwithout a switch in mental imagery by the trainee, due to the retentionof the same illustrative devices. That is, the theoretical flow-circuitmanipulations are without exception identical to the subsequentpractical line-connection maneuverings. Thus, theory and practice,circuit diagram and line array, symbols and functional demonstrationdevice are interlinked in an exemplary manner.

The direct connection of the symbol plate with the demonstration devicecan be established at any time in the case of demonstration devices withtwo functions, for example Open/Shut functions. Where, according to oneversion of the invention, the demonstration devices have severalfunctions, a preferred version of the invention provides for a switchingvalve to be inserted between the demonstration device and the symbolplate, the symbol plate being coupled with the switching valve, and theswitching valve actuating the demonstration device based on input fromthe symbol plate. In this connection, it is especially advantageous,according to one version of the invention, to have the demonstrationdevice, switching valve and symbol plate brought together on a controlblock mounted on the demonstration panel, the control block beingconnected to the permanent tube line connection on the demonstrationpanel.

In a special way, this creates the advantage that, even with elaboratedemonstration devices having multiple switching functions, a simplemanipulation of the symbol plate produces an immediate positivechangeover in the directional configuration, with an attendant benefitfor the learning process. With the movement of the symbol plate thedemonstration device is turned to "closed" or off, while the valvesymbol on the symbol plate is visible only when the demonstration deviceis shut off in relation to the tube-line array. The symbols on thesymbol plate make it quite clear whether the line connection is open orblocked, since here the second representation plane created by thesymbol plate covers the fixed tube line array that is pre-drawn on thedemonstration panel.

According to a preferred version of the invention, the control valves,mounted in the control block and linked with the demonstration device inthe control block by appropriate borings, are constructed asrotary-piston valves in such a way that the manipulation of the symbolplate can be translated through the subsequent actuation of the controlvalve into the various flow-direction alternatives of the demonstrationdevice. In this connection, according to examples of versions of theinvention, various motion alternatives are possible.

For example, the symbol plate can be mounted to the control block in arotatable manner and connected axially with the control valve and/or thedemonstration device. Alternatively, the symbol plate can also bemounted in a pivoting manner around an eccentrically mounted bearingpoint, with the pivot shaft connected to the control valve and/or thedemonstration device, so that the pivoting of the symbol plate, and theattendant rotary motion of the eccentric shaft, actuate the controlvalve.

In an additional alternative solution, the symbol plate can be mountedon the control block in a hinged manner, with the hinge-like pinconnected to the control valve and/or the demonstration device. In thisconnection, the symbol plate can also be made of several parts, withvarious control alternatives indicated on its individual parts, eachpart of the symbol plate being assigned to one of the control valves onthe control block, with corresponding borings in the control block foradmitting fluid to the demonstration device. Such an arrangementappreciably enlarges the number of possible circuit arrays which can berealized for exercise purposes.

In this connection, the symbol plates may be mounted with respect to theviewing direction toward the demonstration panel either in front of thecontrol block, covering the latter, or also adjacent to the controlblock, where in the case of the side-by-side arrangement it is possibleadditionally to display the possible flow-control functions of thefluidics demonstration device.

The hydraulic actuators to be operated by way of the fluidic circuitarrays by the instructional device may, according to an example of aversion of the invention, be mounted on the front of the demonstrationpanel in simple application forms.

However, a particular advantage of the invention may be achieved byhaving these hydraulic actuators mounted on a second, separate actuatorpanel, with the actuator panel connected to the demonstration panel byhose connections. The length of these hose connections in thisarrangement permits a variety of positions of the demonstration paneland actuator panel relative to each other. For instance, an arrangementof the two panels next to each other serves the lecture processparticularly well. If a trainee is to operate and control both panels,it is recommended that the panels be positioned at an angle smaller than180 degrees to each other. At a stage in the training where the traineeat the actuator panel should not see at once, at the actuator panel, thepractical effect of his control actions on the demonstration panel, thepanels can also be set up back to back to each other, so that theactuator panel also cannot be seen from the servicing area of thedemonstration panel.

An important possibility arises from the fact that the two panels can beput together to form a compact unit enclosing the devices and tube linesmounted on the fronts of the panels, thus providing for safe storage andtransportation.

A version of the invention provides for the demonstration panel to beconstructed as a box, with the control blocks and tube connectionsmounted between the panel surfaces, and with the movable symbol platesattached to the front of the demonstration panel by means of theoperating shafts leading to the control block. In this case, all theline connections must naturally be displayed on the front of thedemonstration panel. In this connection, a preferred version of theinvention provides for having on the front of the panel additionalillustrations of parts of the line connections and other components, forexample threaded connections, in the form of cross-sectional drawings,in order to convey additional information. It is understood that therequisite metrology, for example for the measurement of pressure, flowrate, temperature, force and output, are integrated into the trainingdevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Shown in the drawings, in a schematic representation, are examples ofversions of the invention, which are described below. Shown in:

FIG. 1 is a demonstration panel with a mounted control block in anillustrative representation.

FIGS. 2a through c show a symbol plate mounted in a rotatable manner onthe demonstration panel, in a schematic representation.

FIGS. 3a and b show in a schematic illustration, a pivoting symbol platemounted on the control block.

FIGS. 4a and b show a symbol plate mounted in hinged fashion on thecontrol block in a concealed arrangement.

FIGS. 5a and b show a side-by-side arrangement of the symbol plate andcontrol block.

FIGS. 6a through c show a control block with several associated symbolplates.

FIGS. 7a through d show a control block with several associated symbolplates and their possible control connections.

FIGS. 8a through d schematically show a demonstration panel and anactuator panel in various positions.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Shown in FIG. 1 is the schematic construction of a demonstration panel10, which has a box-like form. Inside the box formed in this manner arefirmly attached tubing lines 11, to which a control block 14 isconnected. Placed within this control block is a fluidics demonstrationdevice and, as appropriate, a directional [switching] valve, as will bediscussed later. On the front surface of the demonstration panel 10there is a symbol plate 12 which is mounted in movable fashion to thecontrol block 14. Also on the front of the demonstration panel 10, thetube lines installed in the box-like interior of the demonstration panel10 are shown by drawn representation.

Alternatively, the demonstration panel 10 may be constructed in the formof a plate, in which case the tube lines 11 as well as the controlblocks 14 are mounted on the flat frontal side of the demonstrationpanel 10, so that there is then no need to use drawings to depict thetubing lines.

FIGS. 2a to c show a first example of a version for allocating thesymbol plate 12 to a practice device 15, where in this example thecontrol block and the corresponding incorporated directional valve areomitted. In this example, the symbol plate 12 is directly connected withthe device 15, the latter having only two functions in this case. FIGS.2b and 2c show the symbols 13 visible to the observer looking down onthe plan view of the demonstration panel 10, where two positions, namelya blocked position and a connecting position, may be seen as directioncontrol alternatives with regard to the tubing lines 11 visible on thedemonstration panel 10, the selected position being transmitted to thetubing lines 11 by rotating the symbol plate 12. The rotation of thesymbol plate 12 directly actuates the practice device 15 installed onthe pipeline 11 in accordance with the symbol display 13.

FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate a version of the invention in which thesymbol plate 12 is pivotable around an eccentrically positioned pivotpoint 16 in relation to the control block 14 located underneath. Shownin FIG. 3a are the tubing lines 11 with their connections to the control[switching] block 14, which are closed off with the symbol plate 12positioned as shown in FIG. 3a. If the symbol plate is pivoted into theposition shown in FIG. 3b, this pivoting movement not only causes thepipeline flow pattern currently in effect to be graphically represented,through the rotating shaft 16, but this movement also switches thepipeline connections in the control block 14 in the manner shown.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show the hinged installation of a symbol plate 12 withreference to the control block 14, where the symbol plate 12 covers thecontrol block 14 when looking at the demonstration panel 10 in a planview. The flipping movement occurs around a hinge-pin-like shaft 20, therotation of which is transmitted through a gear 17 to the head of asecond directional valve 18, so that the flipping movement issimultaneously translated into an actuation of the switching valvelocated inside the control block, and thereby into a fluid loading ofthe practice device. The corresponding symbol graphics are found on thereverse side of symbol plate 12.

Similarly, FIGS. 5a and 5b show the hinged attachment of a symbol plate12 laterally beside the control block 14, where again the hinge pin 20transmits the swivel movement through the gear 17 to the directionalcontrol valve 18. The boring required in the control block 14 betweenthe directional valve 28 and the fluidics practice device 15 is notgraphically shown in this exemplification. Alternatively, in place ofthe permanent borings described by way of example, it is possible toprovide, in a massive control block, appropriate corresponding pipelinesfor connecting the directional control valve fittings with those of thefluidics practice device.

FIGS. 6a to 6c show a further embodiment of the invention with twohinged symbol plates 12 on a control block 14 which contains amultiple-function practice device. In the associated control block 14there are two direction control valves 18 that are actuated by thecorresponding hinge pins 20 of the swiveling elements 12 installed oneach. This particular example involves a 3-way valve-control block withthe respective symbolic graphics possibilities.

FIGS. 7a to d illustrate an exemplification in which several symbolplates 12 are arranged in two planes behind each other, with a total offour symbol plates 12 containing different symbol graphics being used.FIG. 7a shows the symbol plates 12 of the first plane, in the flipped-upcondition. As can be more readily seen in FIG. 7b, the symbol plates infront, as is the case with the previously described design versions, arealso coupled by way of gears 17 with the corresponding directionalvalves 18 located in the control block 14, while the rear symbol plates12 are coupled with their respective directional control valves 18through appropriate switching gears 21.

As shown by FIG. 7c, four directional control valves 18, which act on anpractice device 15, are also dedicated here, within the control block 14operating as a 4/5-way directional control, to the four symbol plates 12which cannot be seen in this diagram. For the sake of completeness,those fluid supply lines located outside the control block 14 areillustrated here with a pump/tank and a hydraulic actuator 22. Theswitching deployment of a control block equipped in this manner may beseen in FIG. 7d. Here, using the symbols of the practice device 15, isshown the latter's disposition with respect to the different switchingalternatives, with the two lower flow control symbols 12a, b correspondto the front plane of the symbol plates 12 in FIG. 7a, and the upperswitch position symbols 12c, d correspond to the rear plane in FIG. 7a.

FIGS. 8a to d show that aspect of the invention whereby a demonstrationpanel 10 is combined with an actuator panel 19, with the actuator panel19 carrying the operational hydraulic actuators, including the driveunits as well as the power equipment. The two panels are flexibleconnected at any given time by means of hose connections, which are nototherwise illustrated. However, few hose lines are needed, since theentire switching function is selected and set within the permanentlypiped practice panel.

FIG. 8a shows the so-called lecture position, which has the two panels10, 19 situated beside each other, so that the instructor is able toreinforce the understanding of the relationships by the trainee audiencebefore him.

FIG. 8b illustrates the so-called practice position, in which a traineeworks at both panels 10, 19, and in which he can immediately observe thesuccess of the flow pattern selection he has made on panel 10 by lookingover at the actuator panel 19.

FIG. 8c shows an arrangement which is useful for training in locatingproblems and for conducting an examination. In this position the traineedoes not have the actuator panel in view, but has to concentrate on theflow control functions on the demonstration panel 10. It is only aftercompletion of the work on the demonstration panel 1C, that there is anopportunity to see the result of what is selected on the actuator panel19.

FIGS. 8d illustrates the storage and transportation position of thetraining device with panels 10, 19, which are folded together in such away that the tubing lines and apparatus mounted on the front of thepanels are enclosed between the panels 10, 19 and thus protected againstaccess and damage from the outside.

As an alternative to the mechanical control connections described aboveby way of example, serving between a mechanically hinged symbol plate 12and the associated flow control valves 18, it is also possible to effectthe control of the control valves 18, or, as the case may be, of thepractice devices 15, by electrical or electromagnetic means,particularly inasmuch as modern fluidic valves are in any event equippedwith electrical controls.

In a first stage of the further development of the invention in thisregard, the mechanical transmissions 17, 21 may, accordingly, bereplaced by electrical signals that are emitted, for example, throughassociated switches by movably mounted symbol plates 12, as before.

It is also a part of the invention, however, to depart from themechanically movable symbol plates 12, and to fashion these symbolplates as controllable displays, with various symbol graphics, in whichcase the symbol plates as well as the [flow] control blocks areconnected to an input station operated by the instructor or by atrainee. This input station has controls for the individual practicedevices and in addition disposes over all of the possible symbols withinthe framework of the training device, so that each practice device canbe controlled by means of appropriate symbols from the input station.When this control is operated in accordance with a predeterminedpractice circuit diagram, not only does the respective input cause thecorresponding symbol to appear on the associated display 12, but thecontrol signal also leads to an immediate actuation of the associatedirectional valve 18 in accordance with the designated symbol, so that adirect actuation of the fluid flow control switching is effected fromthe input station.

Such equipment, which is built on the basic concept of the invention,has the particular advantage that from the location of a central inputstation the demonstration panel 10, including, as the case may be, anactuator panel 19 which may also be provided, can be seen by thetrainee, who no longer needs to work at the panel itself. Moreover, theentire instructional exercise sequence, as regards the makeup of acircuit pattern as well as the operation of the devices used, can beshown on a central large-surface display, for example in the form of ascreen or a multimedia panel, so that especially other trainees have thepossibility of directly following the actions of the one doing theexercise.

This has the advantage that, although there is a large-scale visualrepresentation, no simulation, no animation, no trick film and nounrealistic substitute models are used, but rather an exercise underactual operation conditions is carried out, while the exercise processis nevertheless rendered visible and understandable for a large numberof participants.

It is understood that not only are the operation of the practice devicesand the correlation of the tubing flow pattern integrated into this flowpattern exercise, but that the operational and measurement datafollowing from the trial flow array as a consequence of the selecteddirectional switch setting are likewise visually displayed in a logicalfashion and interrelation, so that at any time a complete overview ofthe exercise process is available.

Finally, the training device according to the invention is notrestricted to the display of hydraulic trial processes. The trainingdevice can, indeed, be used with other media as well, within theframework of any fluidic relationship. This applies particularly to thefiled of pneumatics, where comparable relationships and visualrepresentation problems in the training of employees exist.

The characteristics of the subject of these documents as disclosed inthe preceding specification, the patent claims, the summary and thedrawings may individually as well as in any mutual combinations whatevermay be material to the realization of the invention in its diverseversions.

I claim:
 1. A training apparatus for training fluidic processes andfunctions,comprising: a display panel including a visually observableface portion; a plurality of fluidic practice devices mounted on saidapparatus, said practice devices interconnected in a systematicarrangement by piping means for enabling fluid flow thereinbetween, saidface portion including graphical indicia representative of saidsystematic arrangement, said fluidic practice devices including at leastone valve means for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough; saidgraphical indicia including manually selectable visual display means onsaid face portion for selectively displaying graphical representationsof flow conditions of said valve means, said selectable visual displaymeans in operative connection with said valve means, and wherein saidcondition of said valve means is in correspondence with the flowcondition graphically displayed by said display means.
 2. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said display means includes movable platemeans, said plate means including at least one display surface having agraphical representation of possible valve conditions thereon.
 3. Theapparatus according to claim 2 wherein said valve means includes adirectional control valve, and wherein said plate means includes atleast two graphical representations of valve conditions, and whereinsaid plate means is movable to visually expose said graphicalrepresentations on said plate means, and wherein said plate means is inoperative connection with said directional control valve to control acondition of said valve in accordance with a visually exposed graphicalrepresentation.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said platemeans is rotatable and is in operative connection with a shaft means,and wherein said shaft means extends through said face portion of saiddisplay panel.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said platemeans is mounted eccentrically with respect of an axis of rotation ofsaid shaft means.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein saidfluid practice devices include at least one fluid actuated device, andwherein said apparatus comprises a first body, said first body includinga display panel thereon, and a second body having a visually observablefluid actuated device thereon, said first and second bodies separablefrom one another, whereby viewing of said fluidic actuated device andsaid face portion by an individual selectively moving said plate meansis enabled.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said first andsecond bodies are connected by at least one flexible fluid conductingmeans, and wherein said second body is positionable in a locationwherein said fluid actuated device on said second body is not observableby an individual selectively moving said plate means.
 8. The apparatusaccording to claim 7 wherein said first and second bodies are engageableas a compact unit for shipping purposes, and wherein when said bodiesare engaged said face portion is unexposed whereby damage thereto isavoided.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said fluidicpractice devices include at least one fluid actuated device, and whereinsaid apparatus comprises a first body, said first body including saiddisplay panel thereon, and a second body having a visually observablefluid actuated device thereon, said first and second bodies separablefrom one another, whereby viewing of said fluidic actuated device andsaid face portion by an individual manually selecting said display meansis enabled.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said firstand second bodies are connected by at least one flexible fluidconducting means, and wherein said second body is positionable whereinsaid fluid actuated device on said second body is not observable by anindividual manually selecting said display means.
 11. A method fordemonstrating fluidic processes and functions for trainingpurposes,comprising the steps of: connecting with piping means aplurality of fluidic practice devices in a systematic arrangement, saidfluidic practice devices including at least one valve means; providinggraphical indicia representative of said systematic arrangement on aface portion of a display panel, said graphical indicia includingmanually selectable visual display means on said face portion forselectively displaying by an individual graphical representations of aflow condition of said valve means; operatively connecting said displaymeans and said valve means wherein said flow condition of said valvecorresponds with said selected graphical representations of said displaymeans; and manually selecting said display means to control said valvemeans to be operative in said systematic arrangement in accordance withthe graphical indicia on said display panel.
 12. The method according toclaim 11 wherein said display means includes manually movable platemeans including at least one display surface having a graphicalrepresentation of a possible valve condition thereon, and wherein thestep of manually selecting said display means includes manually movingsaid plate means to position said graphical representation.
 13. Themethod according to claim 11 wherein said fluidic practice devicesinclude at least one visually observable fluid actuated device, andwherein said method further comprises the step of visually observingsaid fluid actuated device, whereby the consequences of said conditionmanually selected is observed.
 14. The method according to claim 12wherein said display panel is positioned on a first body, and said fluidactuated device is mounted on a second body, said second body separablefrom said first body, and wherein said method further comprises the stepof positioning said second body in a first position wherein saidindividual engaging in manual selection at said display panel mayobserve said actuated device, or alternatively positioning said secondbody in a second position whereby said individual may not observe saidactuated device, whereby testing of said individual's knowledge may beconducted.
 15. The method according to claim 14 wherein said valve meansincludes a directional control valve, and wherein said plate meansincludes at least two graphical representations of conditions of saidcontrol valve, and wherein the step of manually selecting said displaymeans includes moving said plate means to visually expose a graphicalrepresentation of said valve condition.
 16. The method according toclaim 15 wherein said plate means is rotatable and said plate means isin operative connection with a shaft means extending through said faceportion of said display panel, wherein said step of manually selectingsaid display means includes rotating said plate means to rotate saidshaft means, whereby said condition of said control valve is changed tocorrespond with said visually exposed graphical representation.
 17. Themethod according to claim 16 and further comprising the step of engagingsaid first and second bodies with engaging means to form a compact unitcondition for transport, wherein said face portion of said display panelis not exposed.
 18. A training apparatus for training fluidic processesand functions, comprising:a display panel including a visuallyobservable face portion; a plurality of fluidic practice devices, saidpractice devices fluidly interconnected in a systematic arrangement,said face portion including graphical indicia representative of saidsystematic arrangement, said fluidic practice devices including at leastone fluid valve; said graphical indicia including a manually selectablevisual display on said face portion, wherein said visual displayselectively displays visual representations of conditions of said valve,and wherein said visual display is in operative connection with saidvalve, whereby said displayed visual representation corresponds withsaid valve condition.
 19. A training apparatus for training fluidicprocesses and functions, comprising:a first body, said first bodyincluding a visually observable face portion; a plurality of fluidicpractice devices, said practice devices fluidly interconnected in asystematic arrangement, said face portion including graphical indiciarepresentative of said arrangement, said fluidic practice devicesincluding at least one valve; said graphical indicia including amanually selectable visual display on said face portion, wherein saidvisual display selectively displays visual representations of conditionsof said valve, and wherein said visual display is in operativeconnection with said valve whereby said displayed representationcorresponds with said valve condition; a second body, said second bodyhaving a fluid actuated one of said practice devices mounted in visuallyobservable relation thereon, wherein said second body is separable fromsaid first body, whereby said first and second bodies are selectivelypositionable to control simultaneous viewing of said fluid actuateddevice on said second body by a person selecting said display.
 20. Amethod for demonstrating fluidic processes and functions for trainingpurposes,comprising the steps of: connecting a plurality of fluidicpractice devices in a systematic arrangement, said practice devicesincluding at least one valve means and at least one fluid actuateddevice; providing graphical indicia representative of said systematicarrangement on a face portion of a display panel, said graphical indiciaincluding manually selectable visual display means on said face portionfor selectively displaying a graphical representation of a flowcondition of said valve means selected by an individual, said displaypanel being mounted on a first body and said fluid actuated devicemounted on a second body separable from said first body; operativelyconnecting said display means and said valve means wherein said flowcondition of said valve corresponds with said individual selectedgraphical representation on said display means; positioning said secondbody in a first position wherein said individual manually selecting saiddisplay means at said display panel may observe said actuated device oralternatively positioning said second body in a second position whereinsaid individual may not observe said actuated device, whereby testing ofsaid individual's knowledge may be conducted; manually selecting saiddisplay means to control said valve means to be operative in saidsystematic arrangement in accordance with the graphical indicia on saiddisplay panel.